The Impact of Tree and Shrub Vegetation on the Ecological Condition of the Urban Environment

This article examines the role of woody vegetation in the development of an ecologically sustainable urban environment, using Baku (Azerbaijan) and Ufa (Russia) as case studies. The principal natural, climatic, and anthropogenic factors affecting the condition of urban green spaces are analyzed, including atmospheric air pollution, arid climate, high wind exposure, soil salinization and compaction, altered hydrological conditions, overheating of artificial surfaces, mechanical damage, and recreational pressure. The urban environment is considered as a multistress system, in which multiple adverse factors act simultaneously and interact synergistically, amplifying their overall impact on vegetation. The sanitary-hygienic, climate-regulating, soil-protective, noise-reducing, biological, and recreational functions of trees and shrubs are characterized. Particular attention is paid to the tolerance of different tree species to the specific environmental conditions of the Absheron Peninsula. Morphological and physiological responses of plants to water deficit, air pollution, soil salinity, heat stress, and restricted root-growing space are discussed. The study demonstrates that the ecological effectiveness of urban greening depends not only on the extent of green areas and the number of planted trees but also on appropriate species selection, soil quality, efficient irrigation management, proper silvicultural and horticultural practices, and regular monitoring of urban vegetation. The necessity of developing a multifunctional and species-diverse green infrastructure based on native species and promising introduced taxa adapted to arid climatic conditions and intensive anthropogenic pressure is substantiated. Recommendations are proposed for improving the urban greening system with the aim of increasing the longevity and resilience of urban plantings and enhancing the ecosystem services they provide.